Canada
Canadian Government Decides to Invest in Hemp
The criminalization of marijuana has caused some head scratching for decades. Why exactly are naturally growing buds with few side effects (certainly far less than many FDA approve drugs”) and a wealth of medical potential illegal? Lobbyists? Political stubbornness? Lack of Compassion? Well if we cannot these questions about why our government has outlawed marijuana …continue reading
Moving to Legalize Domestic Hemp
As the movement for the legalization of marijuana marches on people often forget about the Mary’s sister plant, industrial Hemp. Both plants are members of the cannabis genus and both are illegal to grow or possess under Federal law. They are two genetically distinct species with different properties. Marijuana contains as much as 27% THC in its buds, leaves and trichomes. Whereas hemp generally contains 0.3% or less THC (although some places do allow for it to contain 1% and remain classified as industrial hemp). Furthermore the two plants are unsuited to be used interchangeably. Marijuana is unsuited for industrial purposes such as paper, clothing and building goods due to the nature of growth of the plant fibers. Similarly, industrial hemp will not get have the effects of smoked marijuana. It is very similar to the way that poppy seeds can make a person test positive for opium, but would produce get them “doped up”.
Since 1937 it has been illegal to cultivate both marijuana and hemp plants, aside from a special dispensation in WW2 (see “Hemp for Victory“). Today many states have passed laws allowing for compassionate use of medical marijuana, but it is still illegal to domestically grow and distribute industrial hemp products. This continues despite growing demands for hempen clothing, building supplies, fossil fuel substitutes, and food products. However, it is legally allowed to import foreign hemp products. To meet this demand, American companies must purchase goods from Canada, China and a few European countries. This is a farce. America (from the time of the colonies) was built on money provided by Hemp cash crops. At this time we are relegated to sending hard-earned American dollars overseas (OK, Canada is not overseas) to buy raw seed and fiber and end-products that could easily be made here, at an economic benefit for Americans. This market has nowhere to go except upward, especially as more Americans become aware of the many benefits (nutritional, agricultural, industrial, economical) presented by Hemp.
Currently, eighteen states have recent laws (within the last 20 years), bills, or amendments on the books or pending legislation seeking to allow for domestic cultivation of Industrial Hemp. Many of those states have only first stage laws that require studies by state boards looking into economic and agricultural benefits. Many of these studies are underway, but none have been completed. Part of this is due to the political insecurity that arises from dabbling in marijuana laws. Although attitudes have shifted greatly in the last several years, many politicians are still wary of endorsing anything marijuana-related. Regardless of those studies, every bill has language reflecting the worries about Federal prosecution. The caveats in the bills all mention that Federal statutes must either be overturned, rewritten, or researchers and farmers will require permits or dispensations from the DEA, DOJ or even IRS in order to grow hemp crops and be in compliance of state and federal laws.
The most recent states to challenge this Federal ban include Kentucky, Vermont, North Dakota, Washington, Colorado, Oregon, and Montana. Members of Congress have also sought to change the laws. In 2007, 2009, and 2011 they have introduced “The Industrial Hemp Farming Act” so that low potency cannabis crops would be exempted from the Federal ban. The current measure, House Bill 1831 has numerous co-sponsors but has not received a Congressional hearing. If passed, states would have the power to approve and regulate hemp cultivation and trade. Last year, Hemp imports were valued at over four hundred million dollars. This number is expected to increase this year and more in the future. Hemp production could soon be valued at over $1 billion. Taxed revenues from this business would do well to help offset American debt and trade deficits, if it was a domestic product. Not only is this an incredibly useful plant, it is hardy and grows in poor soils that are unsuited for other crash crops. Additionally, rotating hemp through poor soils helps to lock nutrients back into the earth so that other crops can grow better. It also is a prime source for photosynthesis and carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate the problems posed by increased amounts of CO2 and other greenhouse chemicals present in the atmosphere.
As more information comes to light about hemp it seems that the cultivation of this plant is a win-win situation for the environment, the economy, and the people of our country. Unfortunately, the same special interests (tobacco lobby, Big Pharma, Alcohol, fossil fuels) who secured the ban over seventy years ago still have enormous political clout. Combined with the inordinate amount of false information and prejudice against the cannabis plant, those in favor of legalization face a stiff uphill battle. More than ever it is incumbent upon us, we the people, to take an active role in our nation’s future and declare that this plant should not be denied to us.
Update on International Marijuana Issues
Support for marijuana reform seems to be growing all around America. As marijuana.net has suggested previously, President Barack Obama has been getting pressured on the issue an awful lot lately. Marijuana’s benefits are not simply a domestic issue and there have been interesting updates from around the globe.
Over the weekend, marijuana.net briefly spoke about a new trend in professional sports that refreshingly was not about inflating ticket prices, player salaries or owner profits. The NBA has already decided not to test its players for marijuana in the offseason and the Detroit Lions‘ general manager Martin Mayhew has indicated that he is not overly concerned with his players being arrested for marijuana. Building on this trend internationally, Australia’s Coalition of Major Professional and Participation Sports has recently said that marijuana should not be grouped with performance enhancing drugs such as steroids or Human Growth Hormone. Unlike the United States (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS etc.), Australia has one organization that represents many of the different professional sports. As Martin Mayhew suggested, the culture is changing and athletes in their prime are in their 20s. Altering the approach professional sports takes on marijuana seems to be very crucial moving forward.
We have already witnessed the pressure put on the United States and President Obama from our neighbors to the south to change marijuana laws. Now, mayors from British Columbia cities in Canada are also calling for a new approach to cannabis law enforcement. Eight mayors are now officially calling for marijuana legalization in order to reduce crime and violence associated with cannabis laws. The mayors are also seeking to generate tax funds from a regulated marijuana system.
In particular, Mayor Gregor Robertson of Vancouver recently stated in a letter to the Canadian government, “As mayors of BC municipalities, we are fully aware of the harms stemming from the province’s large illegal marijuana industry, “Our communities have been deeply affected by the consequences of marijuana prohibition including large-scale grow-ops, increased organized crime and ongoing gang violence. It is time to tax and strictly regulate marijuana under a public health framework; regulating marijuana would allow the government to rationally address the health concerns of marijuana, raise government tax revenue and eliminate the huge profits from the marijuana industry that flow directly to organized crime.”
It is great to see a progressive approach from other countries even though the Netherlands seems to be trying to uphold their recent ban on allowing tourists to purchase marijuana. The plan is controversial and may cripple Holland tourism so it will be interesting to see if the ban remains permanently. If the ban on Amsterdam coffee shops hurts the Dutch economy, will the United States take note? Even with tough talk from the feds it seems that marijuana has gotten over the hump and moved into mainstream acceptability.
Outside of U.S. Comfort Zone President Obama Forced to Discuss Failed War on Drugs
Over the weekend President Obama attended the 6th Summit of the Americas in Columbia. Most of the media focus will be on the secret service prostitute scandal and Cuba’s exclusion from the event. However, medical marijuana patients were treated to at least a glimmer of hope from the weekend summit.
President Obama has sidestepped discussions on marijuana several times over the past several months. In two separate online votes, the White House has encouraged participants to submit topics they wanted the president to discuss. Marijuana reform dominated the votes, but was sidestepped by the White House. This comes at a time where patients are genuinely concerned about the administration’s handling of medical marijuana and feel that President Obama is not keeping his promise to uphold state law.
Unfortunately for the president, he was unable to maneuver out of a drug policy discussion at the Summit of the Americas. Momentum for marijuana legalization seems to be growing significantly. Many Latin American countries have voiced their opposition to the American War on Drugs recently. Vice President Joe Biden also was pressured on marijuana policy last month in his visit to Central America. As the violence has escalated out of control in the region, especially in Mexico, many former and current world leaders including former Mexico president Vicente Fox, have called for a change of course.
At the summit, President Obama maintained his current position that legalization is not the answer to combat drug cartel violence. Instead he feels we need smarter laws, better law enforcement structure and stronger economies. These general statements may not sit well with U.S. patients and residents of Latin America although President Obama did indicate that he was willing to hold a debate on the issue. He did acknowledge that the war on drugs has not been successful over the past 40 years.
While the United States Federal government seems reluctant to enact any changes to its approach on marijuana policy, other countries seem more than willing to do so. The United States now trails many other countries in education, crime rates, and stem cell research. Is America willing to take a backseat on yet another global issue?
Liberal Party of Canada Helps Marijuana Support Surge
While 2012 is shaping as much as be a thrilling year for marijuana reform within the U . s . States, our neighbors up north could also experience significant change. Lately there has been several news tales explaining momentum for decriminalization and legalisation efforts in Canada. Citizens flying the red-colored and whitened walnut leaf also have grown fed up with investment property on incarcerations, insufficient medical access, as well as an erosion of civil protections.
A poll carried out by Forum Research Corporation, that is located in Toronto, implies that 66% of Canadians are in support of legalisation or decriminalization of marijuana. The record introduction to the polls are surprising to a lot of, specially in the U . s . States. Even though many People in america assume the more youthful voters could be probably to aid alterations in marijuana law, it’s really the infant seniors in Canada (age range 55-64) that many strongly support changing legislation. Of individuals questioned for the reason that age group, 73% support a brand new method of cannabis law.
The current momentum for marijuana reform in Canada matches the increase in the Liberal Party of Canada’s recognition. The party features Resolution 117, which requires the regulation and decriminalization of cannabis. Also enhancing the momentum surge are police force authorities. Officer David Bratzer is really a leader among individuals favoring the modification in law. Bratzer is mind from the Canadian branch of Police Force Against Prohibition (LEAP) and mentioned “We don’t endorse political parties or candidates, however, we all do support actions that cause good drug policy. The Liberal convention associates did this by with an finish towards the destructive and inefficient policy of marijuana prohibition.” David Bratzer also pointed out he felt marijuana prohibition was costing Canada over 2 billion dollars each year and also the only tangible results was organized crime getting more potent.
Each of our nearest neighbors realize the requirement for marijuana reform. Mexico is clearly going through a number of its worst violence ever and lots of in Canada have become fed up with wasting tax payer dollars without any leads to show for this. As there has been within the U . s . States, major groups with government authorities, idol judges, and lawyers are increasing. Canada’s LEAP is much like New Approach Washington both in direction and membership. It appears pretty obvious that eventually Canada might be noted for another legendary leaf.